Wilson was born in Ireland and was brought to the United States when he was twelve, in 1852, to live with his family in Ogdensburg, New York.
He served in the 16th New York Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War and was commissioned a sergeant.
In 1875, Wilson moved to Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota, with his wife and family.
Wilson served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1887 to 1890 and was a Republican and an Independent.
Wilson died at his home in Alexandria, Minnesota after suffering a stroke.